UPSC Prelims 2022 Q49: Environment & Ecology – Ecosystems & Ecology Concepts
- (a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs
- (b) Development of building materials using plant residues
- (c) Identification of areas for exploration/extraction of shale gas
- (d) Providing salt licks for wild animals in forests/protected areas
Answer: (a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs
Explanation
Biorock technology
Biorock passes a low-voltage electric current through a steel frame placed on the sea floor.
The current makes calcium carbonate (limestone) deposit on the frame, much like natural reef rock.
Coral fragments attached to it grow faster and survive bleaching better.
| Option | Linked to Biorock? |
|---|---|
| (a) Restoring damaged coral reefs | Yes |
| (b) Building materials from plant residue | No |
| (c) Shale gas exploration | No |
| (d) Salt licks for wild animals | No |
In India, the Zoological Survey of India used Biorock to restore corals in the Gulf of Kachchh (2015).
Answer: (a) Restoration of damaged coral reefs.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Biorock uses mild electric current to grow limestone on steel frames for coral reef restoration.
- (b) Incorrect. Biorock builds mineral rock in seawater, not construction material from crop residue.
- (c) Incorrect. Biorock has no role in shale gas surveys or extraction.
- (d) Incorrect. Salt licks are mineral sources for animals, unrelated to Biorock.
Key point
Biorock = electric current on a steel frame deposits limestone so corals regrow; used in the Gulf of Kachchh.
Remember
Biorock = electric current + steel frame = coral reef restoration.
Common mistakes
- Linking 'rock' in the name to construction or mining uses.
- Not knowing India's first Biorock reef project was in the Gulf of Kachchh by ZSI.
- Thinking Biorock is a chemical treatment; it is an electrolysis-based mineral accretion method.
Exam tip
Coral restoration methods to know: Biorock (mineral accretion), coral gardening and artificial reefs.
Sources
- Zoological Survey of India — Coral restoration in Gulf of Kachchh (2015)
- Global Coral Reef Alliance — Biorock technology